A Quiet Christmas Mantel

A Quiet Christmas Mantel - When I think of Christmas decorations I usually think of silvers, golds, whites and greens. ...

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

When I think of Christmas decorations

I usually think of silvers, golds, whites and greens.

I do love a touch of red- it is my favorite color

but for the most part I am happiest with metallics and elegant naturals

for the Season.

I wrestled a bit with myself for the living room mantel this year.

Big, bold and beautiful... or quiet and serene.

I wanted something elegant but simple.

A lot of natural touches

but a little glam at the same time.

I decided to just start playing around and go with what I liked and save the
big, bold and beautiful for a little something else that I am working on.

This is a big old (about 8 foot long) wood burning open fireplace that we useall.the.time.
It has a load of wood stacked in it right now ready for the morning.
So I can't really do too many things draping down or dangling over front
I also don't like to have fresh garland draping across the front too
low since the fireplace is open and it can get pretty hot as large as the fire opening is.
So for this mantel- it's all about what's on top.

I pulled out my collected vintage silver,

a bouquet of white spray roses and gathered fresh greens from our yard.

I also added a few of my white & silver vintage ornaments

Usually I leave the silver tarnished- I love the mottled old look tarnished silver has

but I decided to let it shine for the Season

and I almost forgot how much I love gorgeous polished silver too.

A few sweet little European trees and just a few fresh greens

I love the bit of green color since this room is mostly shades of whites.

The wreath and the little trees are from Lowes.

I tucked a few little bunches of gypsophila into it's branches

and dotted it with vintage silver ornaments to dress it up.

The silvers, whites and greens go perfect with the tree we put in here

which I am loving and will be sharing soon.

I also took a couple of pictures with the candles lit at night

and a couple strands of that beaded garland that I adore...but that probably won't be staying.

The rain took a break and the flooding has cleared up but there's more rain on the way tomorrow.

I plan to be staying indoors, lighting the fire and decking the halls a bit more-

Hi Courtney ~ I usually dread this project. My narrow mantel makes decorating it a chore ~ however, after seeing this. I am done! I hope you don't mind, I am copying your mantel, every bit. I love it. Thank you so much.

I have never seen anything like it. i read a lot of blogs and everyone seems to be going with trends. They all look like they used the same picture from a magazine as an inspration, but this looks more like a personality and more original.

Oh Courtney!! Super gorgeous(as always!), I love the simplicity, but the elegance, the happiness and coziness of it all. I can see me curled up there on the couch with a coffee(ok, a hot beverage anyhow;)) and visiting with my favorite designer! I wish I was there!!

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I love the styling..you are a master!!! I need you to come help me finish mine. I am on the third edition and it just is not feeling right. I want rustic beachy elegance. Not feeling it yet!!! But I am determined to have it tomorrow!!! Send me some inspiration please!!! XOXOX

Beautiful and Inspiring! I think I will get out all my old silver (goblets, pitchers, vases, etc.) and start creating! I used white roses in my Thanksgiving centerpiece, and I absolutely love them. Absolutely gorgeous here mixed with the silver and greenery. Happy Holidays!

I love your mantel and how you decorated it, Courtney. I think it is just right to have a serene feel in a living room, especially when it seems to always be so hectic everywhere else at this time of year. I am sure this room will be quite a lovely refuge during this winter season!

A sprinkling of magic, glitter and faux frosting and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. I am so excited to share the first look at o...

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